10 Best Things to Do in Cafayate: Wineries, Food & More

If you’re looking for unforgettable Cafayate sightseeing, make sure to venture into the breathtaking Quebrada de las Conchas. This dramatic canyon is filled with surreal rock formations, and I am sure you will want to make many stops along the way.

Among the highlights, you’ll find Los Castillos, a red-rock formation that feels like a natural fortress and is easily one of the most impressive Cafayate attractions. I personally loved this spot the most!

El Arco is more of a Cafayate hidden gem, an elegant stone arch that many visitors skip but photographers absolutely love. We wandered off the main road and stumbled on it by accident. Make sure you visit El Obelisco as well.

And for those craving adventure, hiking to Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat) is a must. The steep walls and echoing acoustics make it one of the most thrilling hikes in the region, a truly unique experience in Cafayate.

The Quebrada de las Conchas is one of the best photo spots in Cafayate. It’s especially rewarding if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path Cafayate activities, combining dramatic views, local legends, and endless opportunities for adventure.

2. Go Wine Tasting in Argentina’s Torrontés Capital

One of the reasons to visit the Salta region is to discover the Cafayate wine experiences. Each producer has its own character, and there are a lot of Cafayate wine tasting tours, so here are some of my top recommendations based on your preferences.

Bodega El Esteco offers the most famous Cafayate wine tasting tours. Located in one of the most picturesque properties in the area, it is the perfect setting for a wine tasting. I can safely say that I tried the best Torrontés in Argentina at this property.

El Porvenir de Cafayate offers some of the best Cafayate food and wine experiences. The bodega is a real institution in the region and has a great variety of experiences, from a simple wine degustation to a more sophisticated pairing with local delicacies or empanadas.

If you are looking for a unique and sustainable experience Salta region, UTAMA is one of the Cafayate secret wine cellars you can’t miss! It produces natural organic wines on a small scale, with great attention to the product, sustainability, and the territory.

3. Stay Overnight in a Winery for the Full Experience

Cafayate might be a small town, but its wine scene is seriously impressive, and staying overnight in a winery here is something you just have to do.

There are lots of great wineries where you can stay, so I’m going to walk you through the best ones and explain what makes each so special.

Patios de Cafayate – Wine Hotel & Restaurant

If you are looking for a 5-star experience when visiting Cafayate, then Patios de Cafayate – Wine Hotel & Restaurant has to be high on your list.

The property is housed in a splendid colonial house, with views out over the Calchaquí Valley vineyards. The house is embellished with antiques and pieces of art in both the common spaces and rooms.

You are invited to relax in the beautiful outdoor pool or in the local restaurant, where you can try local delicacies freshly prepared by the chef.

Piattelli Wine Resort Hotel Cafayate

If your idea of luxury leans toward a modern vibe, then spend a few nights at Piattelli Wine Resort Hotel in Cafayate.

The hotel is a true design masterpiece, blending local and traditional architecture with a contemporary touch. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted, creating a space that feels both unique and immersive.

The common areas are filled with spots to relax, unwind, and have fun, making it perfect for a memorable vacation. If you want to treat yourself to something truly unforgettable in Cafayate, this is the place to be.

La Casa De La Bodega – Wine Boutique Hotel

If you are looking for a more casual experience, La Casa De La Bodega is one of the Cafayate boutique wineries with accommodation you can’t miss.

Located a few kilometers away from the central town, near the scenic “Ventanas”, this beautiful property invites you to slow down, relax, and get to know the most intimate side of Argentina.

The local restaurant serves traditional and gourmet dishes for guests. During the high season, there are plenty of open-air tables where you can enjoy a traditional Argentinian asado.

The Plaza Central is the perfect spot to slow down and soak in the town’s vibe. Palm trees, colonial buildings, and the beautiful Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario make it a charming place to sit, watch locals go about their day, and just relax. 

It’s definitely one of the Cafayate highlights that makes the town feel so welcoming. And I am sure you will enjoy the lively atmosphere in the square.

A short walk away is La Casa de la Llama, a fun little cultural spot that’s easy to miss but totally worth popping into. It’s one of those Cafayate hidden gems that most tourists miss. And I can guarantee that you haven’t seen anything like that before!

5. Discover the Museum of Wine in Cafayate

For anyone visiting Cafayate, the Museum of Wine (Museo de la Vid y el Vino) is a must-see. Located just outside the town center, the museum showcases the history of winemaking in the Calchaquí Valley, from pre-Columbian fermentation techniques to modern viticulture. 

You can explore antique wine presses, traditional fermentation barrels, and even old bottles that date back decades, a real treat for Cafayate for wine lovers.

The museum also offers detailed explanations of the region’s signature grape, Torrontés, and the methods that give it such a unique aromatic profile. 

On top of that, there’s a tasting area where you can sample local wines while learning about their production, combining education with one of the region’s best Cafayate food and wine experiences.

⏰ Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm | 🎟 Entrance fee 10 500 ARS

If you’re wondering what and where to eat in Cafayate, this is the part you’ll want to pay close attention to. Cafayate may be small compared to Argentina as a whole, but the food scene here is packed with incredible local specialties.

Of course, empanadas, steak, and wine are staples across the country, but the Cafayate and Salta region has truly perfected them, especially the empanadas, which became my favorite in all of Argentina. You’ll also find dishes with strong Andean roots, like locro and tamales.

Restaurante La Rosa at Bodega El Esteco is a fantastic place to pair fine wines with seasonal cuisine. Set inside a stunning 17th-century estate with its own winery, the restaurant serves extraordinary meat dishes complemented by excellent local labels. 

For a more casual parrilla experience, head to Black Tote Parrilla, where hearty grilled flavors shine. If you’re in the mood for something homier, Como en Casa offers the perfect mix of Argentina and Italy. Their sorrentinos, milanesas, and tiramisu are absolute musts.

And for something truly local experience, visit La Casa de las Empanadas. It’s also the perfect spot to try locro, tamales, and Andean potatoes. A similar experience awaits at El Hornito, another local favorite.

7. Take in the Views at Mirador del Valle Los Colorados

If you love beautiful landscapes and photography, the Mirador del Valle Los Colorados is one of the best places to visit in Cafayate. This viewpoint sits above a valley of red, orange, and ochre rock formations, offering panoramic views that stretch for miles.

Sunset here is magical! The rocks glow in many different shades, making it one of the best sunset spots in Cafayate. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the valley, or a zoom lens for details of the jagged formations.

Even if you’re not into photography, the viewpoint itself is breathtaking and peaceful. It is a perfect stop to take a break and appreciate nature.

8. Snap a Photo with the Iconic Ruta 40 Sign

No trip to Cafayate feels complete without stopping at the famous Ruta 40 photo spot Cafayate. It’s just a fun, casual shot to remember your journey along one of Argentina’s most legendary roads. With some of the iconic vineyards surrounding the spot, of course.

Even if you’re not trying to capture the perfect photo, there’s something about that bright sign and the endless landscape behind it that just screams “Cafayate.” Look up Enel X Charging Station in Cafayate to find this exact spot.

9. Visit the Famous Cafayate Goats

When we talk about Cafayate, the first things that come to mind are wines, empanadas, and vineyards. But there’s another experience that pairs perfectly with wine and deserves attention: local cheese.

A Cafayate goat farm visit is one of those things to do in Cafayate besides wine that will surprise you. The farm produces sustainable cheese, and you can enjoy a tasting session at a very honest price. 

This Cafayate hidden gem is also a fun spot if you’re traveling with kids. Beyond goats, you’ll find geese, cats, and other animals wandering around the property, making it a family-friendly stop.

For those exploring Cafayate for foodies, this visit is a must. After tasting and touring, I recommend supporting the local business by purchasing some of their delicious products to bring home.

10. Cachi day trip from Cafayate

If you have a full day to spare, a trip from Cafayate to Cachi is a true adventure. The drive itself is stunning, winding through the mountains of the Calchaquí Valley and past small villages, cactus-covered hills, and dramatic rock formations.

 A great stop along the way is Molinos, a tiny, charming town where you can stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and admire the colonial architecture. We stopped at the Iglesia San Pedro Nolasco de los Molinos and had a break at the Hacienda de Molinos Hotel.

Cachi itself is a quiet, picturesque town with cobblestone streets, a charming square, and a laid-back vibe that feels like stepping back in time. You can explore local artisan shops, pop into small museums, or take a short hike in the surrounding mountains for incredible views of the valley.

If you don’t have a full day, it’s still possible to visit Cachi on the way back to Salta, though the road from Cachi to Salta is winding and steep, so it’s best for experienced drivers. Even so, the scenery along the way is breathtaking and makes the effort worthwhile.